Search Results (246)

This study investigates the effect of high urban land temperatures on pesticide residue (PR) accumulation in cabbage and lettuce and on public health in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) in Ghana. A comparative toxicological analysis regarding the food system was conducted with 66 farmers across three land surface temperatures: low (Atomic, n = 22), moderate (Ashaiman, n = 22), and high (Korle-Bu, n = 22). Pesticide residue concentrations were assessed using an ANOVA to examine spatial variations across sites. The results indicate a strong correlation between high land surface temperatures and pesticide residue accumulation, with lettuce recording significantly (p < 0.05) higher PR levels than cabbage. Several pesticides, including carbendazim (CBZ), Imidacloprid (IMI), Thiamethoxam (TMX), and Chlorpyrifos (CHL), exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) at moderate and high-temperature sites. carbendazim was the dominant pesticide detected, with a concentration of 19.0 mg/kg in lettuce, which far exceeded its maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.10 mg/kg across all study sites. Statistical analyses (PERMANOVA) confirmed that land surface temperatures and pesticide types significantly influenced the PR concentrations. Public health risk assessments indicate that children are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure than adults. The toxicity hazard quotient (THQ) for organophosphate pesticides, particularly CHL and Dimethoate (DMT), exceeded safe thresholds at moderate and high-temperature sites. Full article

Toxicological studies of pesticides in animal models provide critical insights into their mechanisms of action, while adsorption strategies offer potential solutions for decontaminating polluted waters. We evaluated toxicity induced by tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP), an organophosphate pesticide and AChE inhibitor, on zebrafish (Danio rerio) development and behavior, alongside the efficacy of wine cork granules as a natural adsorbent. TEPP exposure reduced embryo viability following an inverted U-shaped dose–response curve, suggesting non-monotonic neurodevelopmental effects, but did not alter developmental timing or morphology in survivors. In juveniles, TEPP increased preference for dark environments (33% vs. controls) and enhanced swimming endurance approximately 3-fold, indicating disrupted phototaxis and stress responses. Most strikingly, water treated with cork granules retained toxicity, increasing mortality, delaying embryogenesis, and altering behavior. This directly contradicts in vitro adsorption studies that suggested cork’s efficacy. These results demonstrate the high sensitivity of zebrafish to TEPP at nanomolar concentrations, which contrasts with in vitro models that require doses approximately 1000 times higher. Our findings not only highlight TEPP’s ecological risks but also reveal unexpected limitations of cork granules for environmental remediation, urging caution in their application. Full article

This study explores the use of carbon materials derived from Nocino walnut liqueur pomace residue for the removal of chlorpyrifos, a widely used organophosphate pesticide, from water. Carbon adsorbents were synthesized from young walnut biomass under different thermal and chemical treatment conditions, and their structural and surface properties were characterized using BET analysis, FTIR, SEM-EDX, Boehm titration, and zeta potential measurements. The materials exhibited distinct textural and chemical features, including high surface areas and varied surface functionalizations. Batch adsorption studies revealed that the chlorpyrifos removal followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and was best described by the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, indicating a combination of pore filling and physisorption via π-π and van der Waals interactions. The highest adsorption capacity of 45.2 ± 0.2 mg g⁻¹ was achieved at 30 °C. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the process to be endothermic, spontaneous, and entropy-driven, with desolvation effects enhancing the performance at elevated temperatures. Dynamic filtration experiments validated the practical applicability of the materials, while moderate reusability was achieved through ethanol-based regeneration. These findings demonstrate the potential of walnut pomace-derived carbons as low-cost, renewable, and effective adsorbents for sustainable water decontamination. Full article

(1) Background: Exposure to pesticide residues through food remains a critical issue in public health, especially given their potential cumulative neurotoxic effects. (2) Methods: This study investigated the presence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables, fruits, and cereals based on official laboratory reports and evaluated the intestinal microbiome profiles of individuals whose diets consisted of over 50% plant-based foods. (3) Results: Analytical results from accredited laboratories in Romania demonstrated that all tested food samples were compliant with European regulations (Regulation (EC) 396/2005), with either undetectable or below-quantification-limit pesticide residues. However, organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon were frequently tested, indicating persistent regulatory concern due to their known neurotoxic potential. A parallel analysis of stool samples revealed significant imbalances in neuroactive gut bacteria, including consistently low levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, and elevated levels of Oscillibacter and Alistipes, which are implicated in modulating GABA and serotonin pathways. Markers of proinflammatory activity, such as LPS-positive bacteria and histamine producers, were also elevated. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that even in diets rich in plant-based foods, microbial dysbiosis with neuroactive relevance can occur, potentially linked to environmental or dietary factors. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of food safety and microbiome function as interconnected determinants of neurological health. Full article

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are a class of chemicals that are extensively used worldwide. The exposure to and use of organophosphates can be assessed by analyzing their metabolites and degradation products, such as dialkyl phosphate (DAP), dialkyl thiophosphate (DATP), and dialkyl dithiophosphate (DADTP). However, since these metabolites/hydrolysis products can result from the metabolism or breakdown of several organophosphorus pesticide families, they serve as nonspecific biomarkers and do not indicate the specific pesticide involved in exposure. In an earlier study, chemical derivatization using N-(2-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-N,N-diethylethanaminium bromide (CAX-B) was described to improve the signal intensity of numerous organophosphorus (OP) acids in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. In the present study, CAX-B was employed to derivatize a set of seven phenolic compounds corresponding to the complementary portion of OP pesticides. The derivatization process using CAX-B was performed in acetonitrile with potassium carbonate at 50 °C for 30 min. LC-Orbitrap-ESI-MS/MS was used to analyze the resulting phenol derivatives and their fragmentation patterns were studied. Notably, the derivatized phenols were markedly more sensitive than the underivatized phenols when LC-ESI-MS/MS was used in MRM technique, without being affected by the sample matrix (soil or plant extracts). This derivatization technique aids in identifying OP pesticides, offers insights into their subfamily, and pinpoints a specific compound through the analysis of corresponding phenol derivative. Full article

Gestational exposure to environmental chemicals has long been considered an important contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes. While humans are exposed to a large complexity of environmental chemicals under real scenarios, existing studies have generally focused on a limited number of substances when exploring the health impacts of environmental exposure. Our work employed the recently developed ExpoNano strategy to characterize exposure to 283 environmental chemicals via urine in pregnant women from three Chinese cities and explored the association between environmental exposure and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through a nested case–control study within a prospective birth cohort. The results revealed ubiquitous gestational exposure (detection frequency > 70%) to 37 chemicals, including selected mono-phthalate esters (mono-PAEs), non-PAE plasticizers, synthetic antioxidants, organophosphate esters, personal care products, UV stabilizers, photoinitiators, pesticides, and hydroxy polyaromatic hydrocarbons across the three cities. The cumulative concentrations of detectable chemicals displayed median values of 461–741 ng/mL in different populations of pregnant women, which exhibited significant variations across regions. In the GDM case–control study (85 GDM cases and 170 healthy controls), although mixed exposure was not associated with the risk of GDM, exposure to acetyl tributyl citrate, an emerging plasticizer, was found to be significantly associated with GDM risk, based on both the single-pollutant and mixed exposure models. However, it should be noted that due to the relatively small sample size, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary exploratory results requiring further validation in larger cohorts. This study demonstrates the complexity of environmental chemical exposure during pregnancy, indicating a critical need for further investigations of the potential impact on pregnancy outcomes. Full article

Aquaculture has been rapidly growing during the past decade to accommodate the increasing need for seafood as a vital source of nutrients for human beings. The nutritional benefits of incorporating fish into one’s diet are paramount in promoting overall health, bolstering immunity and warding off diseases. Nonetheless, farm-raised aquatic species are frequently subjected to elevated contamination levels due to pesticides, antibiotics, and heavy metals in the marine environment. Pesticides affect fish differently based on species, class, dosage, and exposure duration. They can induce histological damage or neurobehavioral changes by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase production. This can promote liver dysfunction, metabolism deregulation, oxidative stress, and hematological imbalances, impair immune responses, and adversely affect fish reproduction. Furthermore, pesticides negatively affect the nutritional composition of fish by reducing the total protein levels in muscle, liver, gills, and kidney tissues. They disrupt lipid metabolism, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, pesticides interfere with metabolism by altering carbohydrate levels in the gills, muscles, and kidneys while decreasing glycogen storage in the liver. Pesticide exposure has been linked to severe health impacts in humans, such as non-communicable diseases, reproductive issues, cognitive dysfunction, and cancer. The current review comprehensively emphasizes the harmful effects of pesticides on fish and human health, urging the establishment of environmental monitoring programs and biomonitoring studies. It accentuates the need for risk assessment models to evaluate pesticide impacts on marine ecosystems and advocates for stricter safety standards and lower pesticide residue limits in aquaculture products. Full article

The relationship between various central nervous system (CNS) disorders linked to pesticide exposure highlights a growing concern worldwide, as the extensive use of these compounds causes toxic effects on the CNS of non-target organisms. Reports indicate that exposure to pesticides, including carbamates, organophosphates, and pyrethroids, produces various adverse impacts on neurological function in humans, ranging from acute symptoms such as headaches and dizziness to long-term conditions leading to developmental delays in children, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s being among the most important. The scientific evidence suggests that pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress and disruptions in neurotransmission, resulting in neuronal damage and alterations in brain development. The review discusses scientific evidence of neurodegenerative disease development related to pesticide exposure, as well as alternatives to chemical pesticides used in agriculture, emphasizing Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP), which combines biological control, crop rotation, and natural predators and is presented as a practical approach to reducing reliance on pesticides. Organic farming methods, which employ natural substances and minimal input of chemicals, also offer safer alternatives. In addition, advances in biopesticides, which target specific pests without harming non-target organisms, provide promising solutions that protect the environment and human health. Pesticides are well-known environmental stressors that menace biodiversity and pose important threats to human health. Reducing pesticide use and remediating pesticide-polluted sites are urgent tasks to avoid adverse effects of pesticide exposure in non-target organisms. Full article

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most toxic organophosphate pesticides, prompting its ban in Europe in 2020. Consequently, developing a detection method that is both selective and sensitive is essential for protecting human health and the environment. In this study, we report for the first time a fluorescent probe based on an oxime for the direct detection of chlorpyrifos. 9-fluorenone oxime, upon deprotonation with a phosphazene base, undergoes a nucleophilic attack on chlorpyrifos, resulting in a significant alteration of its fluorescence properties. Following careful optimization, the method demonstrated excellent linearity (R² = 0.98) over a concentration range of 350 to 6980 μg/L, with a limit of detection of 15.5 μg/L. Furthermore, the probe was successfully applied to chlorpyrifos detection in water samples, yielding satisfactory results. This approach effectively overcomes the stability limitations of enzyme-based fluorescent sensors, offering a robust and innovative solution for the detection of organophosphate pesticides. Full article

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional organophosphate pesticides and are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and household applications. However, the increasing frequency and concentration of NEOs detected in water, sediments, soil, and other environmental media have raised significant concerns about their threats to ecosystems and public health globally. This review paper compiles and integrates key findings from previous studies to analyze the overall occurrence and distribution trends of NEOs in sediments, soil, and other environmental media in China from 2019 to 2024, which has updated and analyzed new data and advanced the knowledge that the previous literature disclosed. The main findings of this work were that over the past decades, NEOs have been consistently detected in sediments, soils, and other environmental media at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 ng g⁻¹ dw. Acetamiprid (ACE), imidacloprid (IMI), clothianidin (CLO), and thiamethoxam (THM) are the most frequently detected NEOs in sediments and soil. It was found from this work that the threshold concentration of NEOs in soil is very limited, and there are no official acceptable toxic levels of NEOs in soil/water/sediments. Only few countries have conducted the work, at the initial phase, on regulating NEOs and have established their regulatory threshold levels. The associated ecological risks and levels of human exposure in soil have been evaluated, revealing that imidacloprid and thiamethoxam present higher risks for long-term environmental contamination due to their relatively higher concentrations. In contrast, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiacloprid exhibited lower environmental persistence, potentially posing lower ecological risks. These trends imply the need for more focused monitoring and regulatory efforts for compounds like imidacloprid, which exhibit higher concentrations in environmental media. Despite these findings, the contamination of NEOs in sediments and soils is still considered to receive insufficient attention, particularly in northern and western China. Furthermore, the presence of NEOs in other environmental media, including indoor dust, wheat grains, vegetables, and teas, warrants further investigation and concern. Full article

This work focuses on developing a Zn₂SnO₄-based electrochemical sensor for detecting parathion-ethyl (EP), a toxic organophosphorus pesticide. Monitoring such hazardous compounds is essential to ensure environmental and food safety. Zn₂SnO₄, known for its excellent electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, simple synthesis process, and eco-friendly nature, was utilized as an electrode material to enhance the detection of EP. Zn₂SnO₄ was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD to confirm its crystalline structure. Zn₂SnO₄ was subsequently modified onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), enabling the study of its electrochemical properties and interaction with EP. River water and carrot samples were collected, pretreated, and analyzed for EP detection to evaluate real-world applicability. Electrochemical detection of EP using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) showed a linear response in the concentration range of 0.01–78.4 μM, with a detection limit of 0.0059 µM. The sensor demonstrated excellent repeatability and selectivity in the presence of potential interferents. Real sample analysis confirmed the sensor’s effectiveness, achieving satisfactory recovery rates in river water and carrot samples. The high surface area and conductivity of Zn₂SnO₄ significantly enhanced the electrochemical response, validating its potential for reliable EP detection in environmental and agricultural samples. Full article

In 2020, California banned the sale and agricultural use of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide (OP) associated with neurotoxicity and other adverse health outcomes. We primarily assessed changes in chlorpyrifos associated with this policy and secondarily explored how other OP exposures changed. The participants were from California’s Central Valley, 18 years or older, and English- or Spanish-speaking. The surveys and urine samples were collected pre-ban (December 2020) and post-ban (February–April 2022). The urine samples were analyzed for a chlorpyrifos-specific metabolite (TCPy), six dialkyl phosphates (DEP, DMTP, DETP, DMDTP, DMP, DEDTP), and total DE and DM. The pre- and post-ban metabolite concentrations were compared via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and natural log-transformed paired differences in linear mixed effects regression, adjusted for covariates. Forty-nine participants had repeated biomarker data. The mean age of the study population was 46.8 years (SD: 16), 61% female, 67% Spanish-speaking, 100% Hispanic/Latino(a), and 47% had less than a high school education. Six urinary metabolites (TCPy, DEP, DMP, DMTP, total DE and total DM) had sufficient variation for further analysis, while DMDTP, DEDTP, and DETP were undetected. The paired differences in adjusted models showed statistically significant increases in TCPy and DMP associated with the policy change (e.g., TCPy estimated ratio of geometric means: 4.53 (95% CI 2.66, 7.69)) Reductions in metabolites of chlorpyrifos exposure were not observed following California’s chlorpyrifos ban, suggesting ongoing exposure to chlorpyrifos from other sources. Full article

Pesticides are compounds of major use in agriculture worldwide. Nevertheless, many pesticide chemicals are classified as endocrine disruptors and potentially carcinogens. Farmers and farmworkers are particularly exposed and are at high risk of developing health-related impairments. In Morocco, the lack of awareness towards pesticide hazards and the inappropriate application of safety measures might increase the exposure as well as the risks of health concerns. In this paper, we present the framework of a study designed to assess pesticide exposure among Moroccan farmers and farmworkers and to evaluate potential health effects, namely endocrine and epigenetic impacts. Human biological monitoring will be conducted to determine pesticide levels in urine following the development and validation of sensitive chromatography methods (SPE, UPLC-MS/MS). Biomarkers of exposure include a set of parent and metabolite pesticide compounds (organophosphates, pyrethroids, triazines and urea-based pesticides). Thyroid and reproductive hormones (TSH, T₃, T₄, FSH and LH) as well as global and specific DNA methylation markers (5-mC, 5-hmC, N⁶-mA, THRB and LHR) are selected as biomarkers of effects. This provides guiding steps and methods to perform reliable exposure evaluation and health impact assessment. This study aims to expand the current knowledge on the endocrine and epigenetic risks related to pesticides, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Full article

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) enter the environment through various avenues, posing significant health risks. This highlights the need to monitor OPs in food and environmental samples. This study introduces an enzyme inhibition-mediated distance-based paper (EIDP) biosensor designed for naked-eye visual detection of OPs in food samples. We synthesized a copper alginate (Cu-Alg) hydrogel that traps water within the gel and restricts water flow on pH paper. When incubated with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and acetylthiocholine (ATCh), the enzyme activity of AChE on ATCh generates thiocholine, which interacts with the Cu²⁺ ions in the gel. This interaction alters the gel’s 3D structure, releasing the trapped water onto the pH paper. Conversely, when AChE is exposed to OPs, its activity is inhibited, limiting the water flow from the gel. As a result, OPs are quantified by measuring the reduction in water flow distance within a linear range of 18 to 105 ng/mL, with a lower detection limit of 18 ng/mL. The EIDP biosensor exhibits high selectivity for OP detection and successfully analyzes OPs in pumpkin and rice samples, achieving percent recoveries ranging from 93% to 103%. This method offers a straightforward, portable, instrument-free, and cost-effective solution for detecting OPs in food samples. Full article

The widespread use of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides in agriculture poses significant health risks due to their cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory effects. However, existing detection methods are often expensive and require specialized facilities, limiting their accessibility. This study developed a cost-effective, portable, and sensitive sensor using personal glucose meter (PGM) technology to detect ChE activity in human blood and pesticide residues in vegetables. A thiocholine-based assay was designed to measure ChE activity via PGM, enabling the assessment of enzyme inhibition caused by pesticide exposure. The optimized PGM-based sensor achieved limits of detection (LODs) of 0.138 ppm for mevinphos and 0.113 ppm for carbofuran in standard solutions, with strong correlations (R > 0.99) between standard and fortified samples, indicating high sensitivity and accuracy. The method demonstrated reliable detection of ChE inhibition at pesticide concentrations as low as 0.05 ppm. The developed sensor offers a portable and efficient tool for point-of-care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety applications. This approach enhances public health protection by enabling accessible pesticide detection. Future work will focus on expanding detection capabilities, improving specificity and stability, and conducting clinical validation for broader applications. Full article